What Happens If Cobalion Fainted in Pokémon Black?
The short answer is: If Cobalion faints in Pokémon Black, it will respawn after you defeat the Elite Four again and re-enter the area where it was originally found. This means you haven’t permanently missed your opportunity to catch this legendary Pokémon. Unlike some games where a fainted legendary is gone for good, Pokémon Black (and White) offers a second chance for determined trainers. Let’s delve deeper into this mechanic and explore other related questions you might have about encountering and catching Cobalion.
The Respawing Mechanism
Defeat the Elite Four Again
The primary trigger for Cobalion’s respawn is redoing the Elite Four. This serves as a sort of “reset” for the game’s legendary encounters. This is true not only for Cobalion but for many other stationary legendary Pokémon. Once you have beaten the Champion and seen the credits roll, you’ll need to go back and challenge the Elite Four again.
Re-enter the Guidance Chamber
After defeating the Elite Four, simply go back to the Guidance Chamber in Mistralton Cave. You will find Cobalion exactly where you encountered it before, ready for another battle and another chance to catch it.
Why This System?
This respawn mechanic allows players to correct mistakes. If you accidentally knocked out Cobalion due to a critical hit or perhaps you ran out of Pokéballs, you are not permanently penalized. This thoughtful system ensures players get a fair opportunity to add this strong legendary to their team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cobalion in Pokémon Black
1. What type of Pokémon is Cobalion?
Cobalion is a dual Steel/Fighting-type Pokémon. This unique typing gives it a good number of resistances but also some crucial weaknesses.
2. What are Cobalion’s weaknesses?
As a Steel/Fighting type, Cobalion is vulnerable to Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type attacks. These are the types you should focus on when trying to lower its health for capture or in a battle against it.
3. What are good types to use against Cobalion?
Focus on Pokémon with Fire, Fighting, or Ground-type moves. Having a Pokémon with a strong Fast Attack and Charged Attack of one of these types will maximize the damage you deal.
4. Is Cobalion a strong Pokémon in Black?
While Cobalion is a legendary Pokémon, it’s generally considered the weakest of the Musketeer trio in terms of competitive battling. While it has high physical defense, its weaknesses to common types like Fighting and Ground can be exploited.
5. What’s Cobalion’s catch rate?
Cobalion has a catch rate of 3, which is typical for most legendary Pokémon. This low rate means that catching it will often require some strategy and patience. Quick Balls, False Swipe, and status conditions can all improve your odds.
6. Is an Ultra Ball the best option for catching Cobalion?
Ultra Balls are not ideal for catching legendaries. They have a catch rate of only 2x, which is better than standard Pokéballs but not as reliable as other options like Dusk or Timer Balls. Use an Ultra ball as a last resort.
7. Can Cobalion be caught with a Quick Ball?
Yes, Cobalion can be caught with a Quick Ball, especially if used on the first turn. While it’s not a guaranteed catch, many players have successfully caught legendaries using this method. The catch rate will still be low.
8. What weather conditions should I avoid when trying to catch Cobalion?
It’s best to avoid battles with Cobalion during hail. Hail will damage your Pokémon each turn and can potentially knock it out accidentally while you’re trying to capture it. Also, if your Pokemon is poisoned, burned or paralyzed, hail will deal extra damage. Consider using a Pokemon with a weather move to negate the hail.
9. What other stationary legendaries respawn in Black?
Many other stationary legendaries besides Cobalion will also respawn in Pokémon Black after defeating the Elite Four. This includes Terrakion, Virizion, and other encounterable legendaries. Victini is the one exception to this rule, as it will respawn when leaving the room rather than after the elite four.
10. Can Cobalion be shiny?
Yes, Cobalion can be shiny. However, the chance of finding a shiny Cobalion is extremely low, at about 1/8192. If you’re determined to find a shiny version, you’ll need a lot of patience and may need to reset your game repeatedly before the battle (soft reset) until it appears.
11. What level does Cobalion evolve at?
Cobalion does not evolve. It is a legendary Pokémon that is not part of an evolutionary line.
12. Is Cobalion weak to Fairy-type attacks?
No, Cobalion is not weak to Fairy-type attacks. Its Steel/Fighting dual typing means that Fairy-type attacks only do neutral damage.
13. Is Terrakion better than Cobalion?
Terrakion is generally considered superior to Cobalion in competitive play. Its high Attack stat and speed, along with its movepool, make it a more formidable threat. However, both can be valuable in-game.
14. What is the best Pokémon to use to catch Cobalion?
A Pokémon with False Swipe is ideal for weakening Cobalion without knocking it out. Also, Pokémon with moves that inflict status conditions like paralysis or sleep can greatly increase your catch rate.
15. When and Where can I find Cobalion in Pokémon Black?
You can find Cobalion after receiving Surf from Alder and after defeating Skyla and Cheren near Twist Mountain. You’ll need to surf from Route 6 to reach Mistralton Cave, then go to the top floor and go past the old man to the Guidance Chamber.
Conclusion
Catching Cobalion in Pokémon Black is a test of both patience and strategy. The fact that it respawns after being defeated allows you to prepare better and come back for another attempt. Understanding its type matchups, strengths, and weaknesses can give you the edge you need to add this legendary Pokémon to your team. Hopefully, this guide and the FAQs will assist in your quest to capture Cobalion and the other legendaries in Pokémon Black. Good luck, trainer!